PROGRAMME AREA NO. 5: New and Renewable Sources of Energy

Objective

To promote the development of new and renewable sources of energy (NRSE) and new and renewable energy technologies (NRETs).

Strategies and Actions

To achieve these objectives, the following strategies and actions shall be pursued.

5.1 Develop ASEAN Manufacturing Capabilities in Renewable Energy

5.1.1 Conduct an inventory and establish an information network of NRSE technologies expertise, manufacturing capabilities and commercial availability of NRSE products

5.1.2 Conduct consultation programmes to promote exchange of expertise and technology exchange among ASEAN manufacturers

This strategy along with the three corresponding actions are perceived to be crucial in enhancing the competitiveness of NRE technologies with fossil-fuel fired systems. They also provide the answer to the problem of making locally available large numbers of small systems and parts for the generally small-scale NRE plants. The first course of action will be implemented by ACE in coordination with the NRSE-SSN utilising its Homepage and its linkage with member country focal points. The second and third courses of action shall be implemented through some projects that would be developed with dialogue partners.

5.2 Create a Policy and Institutional Framework for the Development of Renewable Energy

5.2.1 Assess the effectiveness of existing policies, plans and programmes on NRSE

5.2.2 Formalise the participation of appropriate institutions in NRSE

5.2.3 Conduct dialogues and consultation workshops between high level officials and key industry players

The benefits from NRSE and NRE technologies such as environmental soundness, energy security, longevity, remote/off-grid area adaptability, availability down to very small scales, and technological simplicity have to be compensated with supportive policies and institutional framework to balance their inherent handicaps in the commercial field. The above strategy addresses this need and shall be implemented through the national NRE networks coordinated by the ASEAN NRSE-SSN and ACE. The policy analysis and formulation aspect of this strategy will be addressed by the on-going project, AAECP phase 3: Energy Policy and Systems Analysis.

5.3 Promote Intra-ASEAN Cooperation on ASEAN Made Products.

5.3.1 Compile existing product specifications and standards in member countries and put them into the ACE Homepage

5.3.2 Develop best practice benchmarks for NRE products in the ASEAN

The strategy and corresponding actions recognize the fact that NRE systems and parts are produced in certain ASEAN countries. They are in fact used in actual installations but principally in the small-scale level.

With greater emphasis by the member countries on rural electrification, their demand is obviously bound to increase dramatically. This strategy and the identified courses of action are designed to prepare the ground for greater use of ASEAN made NRE products.

5.4 Promote the Application of Renewable Energy for Rural Energy

5.4.1 Compile information on existing renewable energy programmes/projects, including financial mechanisms already existing.

5.4.2 Design and apply innovative financing instruments in support of NRSE projects to be promoted in public forums such as the AEBF.

5.4.3 Along with the national renewable energy networks, implement NRSE projects such as the Joint ASEAN Mini-hydro programme, PRESSEA, biomass, solar, ocean, wind, and other projects.

This strategy and the corresponding actions are geared towards a big expansion of the NRSE/NRET market. The principal targets are the still unelectrified off-grid remote villages, which number about 16,000 in Indonesia, 11,000 in the Philippines and similar numbers in most ASEAN countries. Some of the proposed actions are already on-going in ACE and in many of the member countries. The NRSE-SSN is involved in the coordination of these on-going projects like PRESSEA, and the Joint ASEAN Mini-hydro Programme.